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Hi i just got a 2005 civic ex se stickshift.

I took my first long distance (420 mile) drive and noticed that driving at about 75mph (w/ cruise control on 5th), the car was running at about 3700 RPM. I thought this was a bit high, or is this normal? Will it damage the car in anyway if i drive consistently at that RPM for a couple hours at a time? thanks for any info.

 
Rep Power: 313

It's normal for the civics. Unfortunately these cars rev very high on the highway. I regularly do 80mph and it cruises at 4000RPMs. I've put 80k miles on the car like this doing the highway almost every day and it hasn't caused any damage yet. I did blow a head gasket but that was due to a leaking thermostat and me not paying attention. The car still runs like brand new after all that.

 
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it's fine, the gear ratios are fairly short so it'll do that. i make 3hr highway trips every now and then and it's fine.

 
Rep Power: 512

Yep.. running in limp mode (vtec error due to VAFC-II controlling, thus revs limited to 4k) my car was still able to make 80mph

 
Rep Power: 291

Word. I like my A1 transmission more now. I'm under 3500 revs at 80 mph.

 
Rep Power: 512

the a1 tranny has longer gears?

 
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yea it does.

 
Rep Power: 512

cool beans

 
Rep Power: 367

02 EX stickshift with 91k now, 1200 miles from TN to Quebec canada in jan and not a complain from the car. even did 42MPG up north where the speed limit is 65mph.

 
Rep Power: 230

3700 rpm is completely normal for 75mph on an ex model. ive driven hours on the highway at around 4k rpm cruise speed like many guys on here and never had a problem. thats how this engine is designed to run.

also, the d17a2 (ex model) has way shorter gears, mainly in 4th and 5th because honda wanted it to be more 'sporty' so you have a bit more power in the 60-80 mph range. its nice for inner city driving and for when you want playtime with your car, but its annoying for driving on the highway if you have mods - specifically a catback because youre at higher rpms and its way louder.

 
Rep Power: 512

It's not so bad with my APEX'i WS2 and stereo system

 
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alrity sweet, thanks guys

 
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My car sits at 3000 rpms at 70 mph. I thought that was normal? Its an 02 lx stick shift.

 
Rep Power: 512

DX/LX (a1 tranny) has longer gears as stated above. Longer gears = lower RPM per MPH than the ex would be

 
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Oh I see. I guess I overlooked the a1 being for dx/lx. Kinda glad I have an lx now haha.